Soft Pastel on Suede Matboard
Framed size: 9" x 9"
Signed: Martínez (L.R.)
Notes from the artist:
”‘Vanitas’ is a type of still life painting that emerged in the 16th century in the Netherlands. The subject matter of these paintings typically includes objects that symbolize the transience and futility of earthly life, such as skulls, hourglasses, and withered flowers. The term vanitas is derived from the Latin word for ’vanity,’ and the paintings are meant to serve as a reminder of the transience of earthly pleasures and the inevitability of death.One of the many reasons I enjoy attending model painting/drawing sessions is for the wonderful people I meet. An art model I had been working with for several years named Caroline came to me one day with a pleasant surprise. Her friend’s young son had come home with his first ever catch, a white tail deer! They had been looking for a good home to send this one to and Caroline, knowing my passion for animal skulls, told them about me and the rest is history. Studying the various skulls in my home, I admire how nature presents perfection in the imperfection. Although the skull feels “symmetrical” both halves are more like siblings than twins. Even with twins, one is not 100% like the other. Those nuances are where I find the personality of my subject.”
